COUNCIL officials in Runnymede are joining national attempts to establish a new bank holiday in 2015 to mark the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta.

Chief executive Paul Turrell is part of the Magna Carta 2015 committee, which is organising various events for the celebrations, while Egham Town ward councillor Alan Alderson is one member of a local committee chaired by Mr Turrell.

Cllr Alderson revealed some of the ideas being put forward for the landmark celebration, including moves to create a new national bank holiday.

He said: "What we are looking to do at the end of the day is try and make sure that there is some sort of legacy left at the end of the celebrations.

"The Magna Carta 2015 committee has links to the Royal Household and they are trying to arrange for there to be a public holiday."

Cllr Alderson added that the idea of a commemorative coin or stamp had been suggested, but he stressed there should also to be direct benefit to Runnymede borough residents.

He said: "We're trying to make sure, through the various committees involved, that Runnymede has a really prominent role in this.

"If we can maybe get some kind of visitor's centre set up at Runnymede - as all we have there now is the memorial - it could explain to people more about what the Magna Carta is all about."

Cllr Alderson said the local authority would be appointing a co-ordinating officer who would be charged with procuring funds from government and lottery sources.

He added: "They will be looking to secure millions of pounds for this, and it's just a question of how much money can be raised, which is why we're starting this all so early."

The Magna Carta was sealed by King John at Runnymede Meadow, near Egham, on June 15, 1215.